Old Beiji Tunnel Introduction
Are you ready to head to the Baiji Tunnel? Then you need to clarify whether it’s the new tunnel or the old tunnel! On Provincial Highway 7, connecting Cihu and Fuxing, both tunnels currently coexist; the new Baiji Tunnel operates as a two-way roadway, while the old tunnel has been transformed into a recreational walkway. Both tunnels quietly witness the historical changes of Baiji over half a century. To understand the origins of the Baiji Tunnel, one must first mention the strategic significance of the Baiji area. Formerly known as Bajie, this area was a crucial route for early travel between Daxi and Jiao Ban Mountain. In 1944, the Japanese constructed a tunnel here for pedestrian use, air defense, and evacuation, which also served as a strategic point for Jiao Ban Mountain. The old tunnel was interrupted by landslides in 1957 and was not reopened until eight years later, which is now known as the old Baiji Tunnel. It stretches approximately 343 meters long and 4.5 meters wide, with an inscription from then-Governor of Taiwan, Huang Jie, at the southern entrance stating "Baiji Tunnel, North Segment Highway." Due to its failure to meet roadway demands, a new two-way Baiji Tunnel was subsequently built. The restored old Baiji Tunnel is different from its previous form; it features a reinforced concrete structure and can accommodate vehicles. However, it was originally limited to one-way traffic, requiring military police to manage traffic at the tunnel entrance, a scene that many people must find quite nostalgic. The two-way new Baiji Tunnel was officially opened in 1993, marking the end of the transport function of the old tunnel. After being closed for two periods, the old Baiji Tunnel was converted into a tourist pathway in 2007. Inside, visitors can see the light railway established during the Japanese occupation and the "trolley" (also known as a "handcart") that represents that era, which could carry both people and goods and operate at varying speeds. The scene of porters sweating while transporting goods is no longer visible; instead, tourists can photograph themselves on the trolley, experiencing the sights of a bygone era. The old tunnel also connects to the Governor-General's Office Trail and the Baiji Forest Trail, making it a perfect stop for sightseeing.
